Goalies back Casillas for award

A survey conducted by MARCA of goalkeepers and ex-goalkeepers from Spanish football, to see who they think should be awarded the Ballon d'Or, has revealed a unanimous candidate: Iker Casillas.

There were two main reasons put forward by those polled: the player’s successful career, and the number of decisive saves he has made for Spain in the last few tournaments. César Sánchez – who was at Real with Casillas for five seasons – believed that his former teammate “totally deserves to win the award. If he doesn’t win it now, when will he?”.

Toni Doblas – Zaragoza keeper who has been on loan at Xerez – claimed that there is no one better than Casillas, while Athletic Bilbao keeper Gorka Iraizoz emphatically said that: “I don’t think anyone can say he doesn’t deserve it”. Former goalkeeper Toni Jiménez also backed Casillas: “his successful career for both club and country makes him an undisputed candidate”. Another former goalie, Pedro Contreras, said that “a goalkeeper cannot do more. I would love him to win the award”.

“It’s about time the award went to a goalkeeper. If he isn’t awarded it now, I don’t know when he’ll win it. After winning two European Championships and a World Cup, I think the time has come”, said Manolo Reina – Cartagena goalkeeper.